End of Season Races – Wilmot Ski Team

Ski Brule
Mt. LaCrosse Spring Fling
Western High School Championships
NASTAR Nationals

At the end of the season (March), there are often “open” races hosted by resorts or clubs. These races are sometimes not formally part of the WIJARA or USSA season and in many cases are open to all registrants. Some of the more popular open races held in past years are as follows:

WILMOT OPEN

Fun end of year ski race hosted by the Wilmot Ski Team but open to anyone including parents and non-team members (if time allows). Often the coaches race as well. Typically held in late February or early March on a non-WIJARA weekend but may be pushed further in 2025. The format of the race is Giant Slalom and is a great way for new athletes to try out racing and for more experienced athlete to race against their parents and coaches. Medals and fun prizes are awarded to participants. The race is usually accompanied by a barbeque hosted by the Wilmot Ski Team.

SKI BRULE

The 2025 version of this race will be held March 15th and 16th. The race is limited to ages U14 and under and is technically a USSA event. However, USSA membership is not required for participation as a USSA guest membership is included in the registration fee. Ski Brule is a very popular race and the resort does a great job creating a fun environment for young athletes. Historically the race has included medals for top 10 finishes, tubing, bouncy houses and a petting zoo. It is recommended that you secure lodging early for this popular event.

MT LACROSSE SPRING FLING

The Spring Fling is hosted by Mt LaCrosse in LaCrosse, WI and is also typically held the weekend after the last WIJARA race. Mt LaCrosse is a great hill for ski racing, and the event typically draws athletes for all over the state of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The run used for the Spring Fling is longer and moderately steeper than the runs used for WIJARA races. The Spring Fling has been a highly popular event for the Wilmot team and there will be Wilmot coach support there in 2025.

WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Participation in this event is open to all high schoolers from Illinois, including non-Wilmot team members. In 2025, The Western High School Championships will take place at The Grand Targhee Resort, WY. March 12th – 15th 2025.

Team size is 12 men and 12 women. Top 6 finishers of each run count for the team score (this allows DNF or DSQ first run to get a 2nd chance to potentially score points for their team). Combined times count towards individual standings. First 6 spots Women & Men based on USSA points. If there are more than 12 interested athletes of each gender, further selection criteria bay need to be imposed. All racers must hold one of the following US Ski and Snowboard memberships: Alpine Non-Scored Athlete (AS), Short Term Alpine (STA) if under 18 years of age, or Alpine Competitor U16 and Older (AC U16). Memberships can be obtained at www.usskiandsnowboard.org

Shared coaching fee is separate from Wilmot or other teams’ fees and includes lodging and transportation for coach support.

March 12th – Training
March 13th – GS Women
March 14th – GS Men
March 15th – SL Both Genders

NASTAR NATIONALS (WILL NOT BE HELD IN 2025)

NASTAR was purchased by Global Reach Sports and will not hold a Nationals event in 2025.

NASTAR Nationals is a great event put on each year by NASTAR in late March. You must qualify to participate in the event, however, qualifying is usually not difficult, particularly for those with racing experience. Typically qualifying requires achieving NASTAR medals (bronze, silver, gold etc.) on multiple days. Several WIJARA races use a NASTAR pace setter, so participating in WIJARA races may help towards qualification. Please refer to the NASTAR website for the current qualifying requirements. Qualifiers are then divided into divisions (bronze, silver, gold, platinum) determined by their performance during the season on NASTAR courses. The race courses are then set on hills reflective of the abilities of each division. Over the past years the races have been held in Steamboat, Aspen Snowmass and Mammoth. NASTAR participants and their families receive discounts on lift tickets and lodging. NASTAR usually does a great job putting on a fun but highly competitive event that makes the participants feel special. In past years, members of the US Ski Team have attended the event and signed autographs. Wilmot does not provide coaching support for this event.

Often the Wilmot coaches are aware of end of the year races. Inquire with the coaches about races that will be held this year if interested.